2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD): EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. The base pricing ranged from MSRPs of $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges of $1,895. The Telluride EX was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX Limited trim, which offered a luxury SUV feel at a mainstream price. This trim added premium features like stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition, new for 2021, featured gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving it a popular blacked-out look. The Telluride's styling was praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, with only minor criticisms regarding the interior's glossy hard plastic and limited colour options.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, which had been a hallmark since its third generation debuted in 2011. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, the Durango's design was distinct, especially in the new SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler. The Durango offered six different 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version, with 11 exterior colours and six interior colour schemes. The cabin featured a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The Durango's interior became more premium and sophisticated as one moved up the trim levels, with options for leather, suede, Nappa leather, and Laguna leather seats. The updates to the dashboard gave it a modern appearance, aligning it with the Charger and Challenger muscle cars.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia's Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, complemented by 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher velocities. The self-leveling rear suspension on the SX Limited and Nightsky Edition trims ensured proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-litre V6, a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. The V6 engine produced 293 to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7-litre V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, and the supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The Durango's steering was precise, but the chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Durango R/T's Tow N Go Package allowed for a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, with stable performance thanks to the "Tow" drive mode's 50/50 AWD torque distribution. The SRT models featured SRT Performance Pages for track days, offering configurable drive modes and race options.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a standard heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and ventilation, with a distinctive leather upholstery pattern. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat, and robust grab handles aided exit. The Telluride provided ample storage, with smartphone-friendly bins and trays. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 601 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,455 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Dodge Durango was a versatile family hauler with seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, with a third row comparable to the Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot. The Durango offered average cargo space for its class, with improved fit and finish over previous models. It was recognized for its initial vehicle quality, standing out from the Dodge Journey and Grand Caravan minivan.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system allowed for two simultaneous Bluetooth connections and included wireless smartphone charging. The system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, while Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 system. This system was five times faster than its predecessor, offering user profiles, connected services, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango also offered a rear-seat family entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player and two 9-inch screens. The TomTom navigation system was praised for its clear graphics and quick response, though a head-up display was not available.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with eight advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star frontal-impact result.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's standard safety features included a back-up camera, airbags, and electronic stability control. Optional features, depending on the trim, included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. The IIHS rated the Durango as Marginal for a small overlap frontal impact, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star front crash and rollover rating.